Polish cinema has long had a unique voice, distinct history, and a bold artistic perspective thanks to the legendary filmmakers like Andrzej Wajda, Wojciech Has, Krzysztof Kieslowski, and Krzysztof Zanussi. At the helm of this cinematic journey is the Polish Film Festival that takes place every year in Gdynia, Poland. The organizers of the festival, which is set to celebrate its golden jubilee next year, include the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, Polish Film Institute (PISF), and Polish Filmmakers Association.
Joanna Łapinska, Artistic Director, Polish Film Festival, brings fresh insights and initiatives to further elevate Polish cinema on the international stage. She is the first woman in the festival’s history to be appointed to this post. In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, Łapinska shares her vision for the festival, her challenges in establishing the festival’s newest ‘Perspective’ section, and her strategy to ensure that Polish cinema finds its place globally.
Łapinska is a member of the European Film Academy and has a rich history with film festivals, having directed the New Horizons Film Festival for 15 years and the Transatlantyk Festival for several years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Polish Film Festival, making her appointment as Artistic Director last year a strategic move for Polish cinema. However, bringing her vision to life is no simple task. “My contract is for three years, but every significant decision has to go through an organizing committee,” she explains. This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Polish Film Institute, and other cultural bodies.
Despite these layers, she has already made notable changes, such as launching the ‘Perspective’ competition, a new platform dedicated to showcasing young and emerging Polish talent. For Łapinska, creating this competition was about inclusivity and diversity in storytelling, a reflection of Poland’s rich, evolving cinema.
One of the standout elements at this year’s festival is the aforementioned ‘Perspective’ competition, a section devoted to supporting younger filmmakers. When asked why this initiative took time to materialize, Łapinska responds with a passionate explanation about the procedural hurdles. «Starting a new section requires not only a sound idea but also the backing of the committee. I needed to convince them of its necessity,» she explains, “I wanted the second competition for feature films to be a wide, inclusive platform, allowing space for all kinds of stories. It wasn’t just about arthouse or commercial cinema; it was about capturing the essence of contemporary Polish filmmaking.”
Łapinska’s commitment to openness is clear. She stresses that her intention with the competition is not to impose limits but to let Polish cinema define itself. “I want to see what resonates over the years. By staying open, we create room for unexpected voices and themes to emerge,” she says. This year’s selection reflects her vision: 24 films across both Main and Perspective competitions, with cross-category awards highlighting innovation and debut features.
As Poland’s largest film festival, Gdynia has historically focused on Polish cinema, but Łapinska aims to broaden its global reach. She is actively working on international collaborations and crafting industry panels that offer meaningful takeaways. “We are always strategic about partnerships,” she says, referencing recent collaborations with the European Film Academy and initiatives like the ‘When East Meets West’ panel, which brought together industry representatives from across Europe. The intention, according to Łapinska, is to encourage knowledge-sharing and to highlight Polish cinema›s relevance in broader cinematic discourse.
Łapinska knows well the potential of international film festivals, having spent years attending and observing them firsthand. Her experience informs her approach at Gdynia. “It’s important that our international guests don’t just watch Polish films but also see how they might collaborate with our filmmakers. That’s why we introduced structured networking opportunities, like happy hours and focused panels,” she explains. These interactions, she believes, can lead to long-term alliances.
Łapinska is acutely aware of Polish cinema’s growing reputation, especially with filmmakers like Agnieszka Holland and Paweł Pawlikowski gaining international acclaim. «Polish filmmakers are regularly sought after for their powerful storytelling and unique perspectives,» she says. This recognition, she adds, brings both opportunities and responsibilities for festivals like Gdynia to foster the next generation of talent.
A significant aspect of her role, as she describes, is making Polish cinema accessible to an international audience. “We want to show the world what makes our cinema unique, but we also want to understand what the world can offer us. It’s a dialogue,” she remarks. Poland’s complex history and dynamic socio-political landscape have long fueled its cinematic narratives, which often resonate with universal themes. By opening Polish cinema up to the world, Łapinska hopes to foster mutual understanding and appreciation.
Another area of focus for Łapinska is improving distribution channels for Polish films, both locally and internationally. She mentions a Polish Film Institute study, conducted just before the pandemic, which identified key factors for effective distribution strategies. While the pandemic disrupted these efforts, Łapinska is hopeful about applying the research findings. “Distribution remains one of the most critical elements for emerging filmmakers,” she emphasizes. For many young directors, simply getting their films in front of audiences, whether through festivals, streaming platforms, or other media, is a victory.
To support emerging filmmakers, Łapinska envisions additional resources, workshops, and distribution-focused panels at future editions of the festival. «We need to equip our filmmakers with tools to navigate not only the creative aspects of filmmaking but also the business side,» she says. Her goal is to create an ecosystem where talent can thrive—where young directors feel supported, from conception to distribution.
For Łapinska, it’s not just about the films but the sense of community that Gdynia fosters. Reflecting on this year’s festival, she shares how gratifying it is to see filmmakers engaging with each other and audiences. “I am glad that the energy is positive,” she says. “People are excited about the Perspective competition. It’s already sparking conversations.” Creating this environment is part of Łapinska’s broader vision for the festival.
An exciting future lies ahead for Polish cinema, and Joanna Łapinska is determined to lead it forward. With plans for greater inclusivity, stronger international partnerships, and comprehensive support for emerging talents, she is crafting a festival that not only celebrates Polish cinema but actively shapes its future.